13: why is solitude important?
Giving yourself the literal space to slow down, go within and self-reflect encourages a genuine connection to your own intuition. Developmentally, learning to be alone is a skill, and it can be valuable when forming your own perspective on the world. Fear of being excluded can lead us down some dangerous paths and creating a strong sense of self can be a tool when standing up for what we believe in.
There is a strong correlation in our society with loneliness and solitude. Depicting the loner student at lunch sitting by themselves eating their meal. However, I implore you to consider how the image would change if the student was sitting with confidence and on their own accord. Being alone opens the door to self-discovery and gauging our own opinions in a world that’s quickly to insert their own.
Three Scientifically Proven Benefits of Spending Time Alone:
1. Alone time increases productivity: People perform better when they have a little privacy. “Without great solitude no serious work is possible.” — Pablo Picasso
2. Solitude sparks creativity: There’s a reason a lot of authors or artists want to go to a cabin in the woods or a private studio to work. Being alone with your thoughts gives your brain a chance to wander, which can help you become more creative.
3. Power of self-discovery: The capacity to be alone is honing the ability to know that you’re going to survive even if you’re not supported by this group. Continued and intentional self-reflection is an entry point for growth.
